DEC 4 -- (NEWARK) – Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division, SAC Matthew W. Horace of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Chief Ronald Borgo of the East Orange Police Department, Prosecutor Paula T. Dow of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff Armando Fontoura of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Director Garry McCarthy of the Newark Police Department, Attorney General Anne Milgram of the State of New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Jose Cordero, Director of Gangs, Drugs and Violent Crime of the State of New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Acting US Attorney Ralph J. Marra Jr. of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, and Acting SAC Matthew J. Etre of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark, announce today the arrest of members associated with the violent gangs known as the “Crips” and “Bloods” under “Operation: Crip-Keeper.”

Operation Crip-Keeper is a multi faceted Federal, State, County and local law enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting and dismantling violent gangs and their drug and weapons trafficking activities in New Jersey. Crip-Keeper crossed several counties, cities, and towns in its effort to identify, investigate, and eliminate the narcotics trafficking organizations plaguing the communities in which they operate. This joint partnership between law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue and cripple gang related illegal operations.

This investigation began in January 2008, when DEA and the New Jersey HIDTA Task Force began an investigation into a set of the Crips in Irvington, East Orange, and Newark, NJ. This organization was known for its use of firearms, sale of cocaine and heroin, and blatant use of violence as a tool of their trade. Through undercover purchases and law enforcement intelligence this investigation culminated in the apprehension of these gang members.

DEA SAC McAleer stated, “We are well past cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we are full speed in collaboration mode attacking these violent drug gangs.”

“Gang members in Essex County have caused immeasurable violent crimes that too often result in senseless deaths,” said Essex County Prosecutor Dow. “Today’s takedown again demonstrates how a well coordinated multi-agency operation can result in successful intelligence gathering and significant arrests.”

“At ATF we believe that partnership is our greatest ally and resource in combating violent crime here in New Jersey. This is an excellent example of a win for law enforcement which impacts the quality of life for our taxpayers. We are extremely pleased with the outcome,” said Matthew Horace, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Newark Field Division.

“Today’s arrests illustrate law enforcement’s commitment to working cooperatively to make a positive impact on the public safety of our neighborhoods,” said Acting SAC Matthew J. Etre, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark. “ICE remains committed to partnering with law enforcement to arrest and remove gang members from our streets that pose the greatest threat to our communities.”

The investigation is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey. AUSA Michael Robertson will be representing the government. All defendants are being charged federally with, USC-21-846 (Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin) and weapons charges.

Notwithstanding the criminal complaint, every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Federal law.